Part Two: Ralph Lopez, Environmental Services Manager
Hello, my name is Ralph Lopez and I have a career in healthcare that spans more than 26 years in the field of Environmental Services/Housekeeping. During that time, I've worked for several different types of healthcare facilities. I've had the opportunity to have been involved with several government, publicly traded, private-for-profit, and non-profit facilities. Some were union jobs and some were not.
As a Healthcare Environmental Services professional, I have been instrumental in assuring that each healthcare facility has been in compliance with all Federal, State, Local and Accrediting agencies (i.e. Joint Commission, CMS, CDPH, CCR-Title 3, 22, CFR 29, 40, 49, Environmental Health).
More importantly, I have assured the overall cleanliness and safety of each healthcare facility for patients, visitors, staff and coworkers, with the assistance of a team of highly trained and compassionate healthcare cleaning individuals.
My educational background includes classes in hazmat response, management, leadership and safety. Several years ago, I took a big step and became certified as a Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP). It was quite a challenge taking the exam as it was based on the whole scope of services and responsibilities as a Housekeeping/Environmental Services provider. It was basically a test of everything I have learned as an EVS professional up to that date. It was a fantastic feeling to have attained such a great accomplishment validated by the American Hospital Association.
With that in mind, I have decided to do my part in sharing my knowledge and experiences with those of you seeking to learn and grow as environemental services professionals. To accomplish this, I am participating in our company blog where several of my colleagues will be imparting their knowledge and experiences to written media.
Currently, in coordination with my colleagues, we are working on the development and integration of a new approach to consistent, quality environemental services for all facets of healthcare cleaning. I hope to share more about this with you in the near future.
*Photo courtesy of Melanie Savolainen